Welcome and woof to Doggie Toys. We hope that you will enjoy learning about different ways to keep your furbaby engaged and stimulated.
MY STORY
I became interested in Doggie Toys when I adopted Gabriel, an abused two-year old Italian Grayhound mix. Gabriel and I experienced love at first sight when we met. The shelter manager was amazed that he was behaving so well with me, and I was just in love with him. He was skittish, though, and liked to run off so you had to keep a harness on him as well as a very close eye.
Because of Gabriel’s early abuse, he suffered from a lot of separation anxiety which led me to look into and research as many different ways to keep him calm as I could. He had to be alone during the day when I was at work, and there was no way around it. I looked around at different doggie toys and puzzles that would stimulate him and keep him occupied. I settled on one that had eight different compartments where you could hide treats. I figured this would keep him busy for several days. No such luck!! My smart little guy figured everything out and had all the treats gone in 15 minutes!!
I never did find out how to keep Gabriel occupied when I was not around. My husband decided to be helpful and walk Gabriel when I was getting my car serviced. He did not usually walk Gabriel because of Gabriel’s aversion to men – this went back to his early abuse. But he decided to walk him anyway. He did not put on Gabriel’s harness. When they got across the street, Gabriel pulled out of the collar and ran off.
Gabriel led us on a merry chase all around the neighborhood. We had many neighbors joining in, but the night was cold and the snow was deep, and Gabriel kept running off. Later that evening, Gabriel ran out of the neighborhood and was struck by a vehicle and died. I did not learn of his death until the next morning.
That was four years ago, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of my Gabriel.
WHY DOGGIE TOYS
I know how frustrating and aggravating some dogs can be. They chew on everything – including shoes, sofas, and walls. They cry and wail disturbing everything and everyone within the house, block, neighborhood, or county. This is not good for your pups, and certainly not for your home.
Gabriel was my love, but he could be a problem child as well. I want to help other pet parents relate better with their dogs (cats and other furbabies also) by providing advice on toys or activities to help maintain a good relationship, and keep the teeth on the chew toys and not the shoes.
I believe that by spending quality time with your four-legged friend playing with quality toys and engaging in quality activities, your life, your dog’s life, and your sanity will be better.
THE GOAL OF THIS SITE
The purpose of Doggie Toys is to research toys and activities for your pet that will provide stimulation and fun for both of you.
Toys and puzzles should provide hours of stimulation and entertainment for your pet. If your pet is stimulated, your pet will be happy and contented, and won’t feel the need to chew up the sofa or your favorite pair of shoes. The attention you give your dog should be positive and happy. We want to help you achieve this.
If you ever need a hand or have ay questions, feel free to leave them below and I will be more than happy to help you out.
All the best,
Ellen
Ellen
hotdoggietoys.com
